Tutors at the Diane Mitchell Music School

Diane has built up her tuition practice by engaging excellent musicians who share similar approaches to her own.

Offering tuition in guitar, drums, singing, piano, keyboards, trumpet, flute, violin , fiddle, Saxophone, clarinet, ukulele and theory and providing opportunities for singing in a choir or participating in a musicianship class or group, the Diane Mitchell Music School offers an excellent range of music tuition and participation for children and adults. Tuition takes place mainly at the premises in Brick Lane Studios, plus other locations, including nurseries and schools.

All tutors hold enhanced disclosure or PVG.

https://www.facebook.com/dianemitchellmusicschool

Diane Mitchell

Owner

A Primary Teacher with over 25 years experience, Diane is qualified to Grade 8 standard in Associated Board Music Exams and Grade 6 Associated Board Theory. She has an M.A. Honours degree in History and Politics, with music. She has over the years played a major role in schools, teaching music and training school choirs. She also teaches music in Primary schools in East Dunbartonshire.
In 2010, she started Music4Kidz, teaching piano to children of all ages from home. She is a great believer in teaching music to children as young as possible and introduces the basic concepts of beat, rhythm and pitch to children at as early an age as possible, following the approach recommended by Kodaly. Kodaly believed that all children can be trained to be musical if exposed to music from birth. Consequently, Diane runs Toddler/PreSchool classes to teach basic musical concepts in a fun way using percussion instruments, puppets and singing games.

"I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to sing and enjoy music. That’s why I set up Music4Kidz. Music can be fun and promotes confidence, self-esteem, language development and social skills”

In 2011, Diane’s business had grown from one exclusively for children, to one, which offered tuition to all ages, including adults. Therefore the Diane Mitchell Music School was formed and other teachers were taken on to meet demand. The move to the premises here in Brick Lane in January 2015 was a fulfillment of Diane’s ambition to further expand the business. Diane’s love of music is the driving force behind her desire to open a Music School, which offers a complete music service to all ages, from babies to pensioners.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Tutor Opportunity
Due to expansion, we are looking to supplement our existing team of experienced freelance Kodaly instructors for our Saturday classes. Age groups will consist of 1-4 year olds, 3-5 year olds, 5-9 year olds and 8-11 year olds. Classes run during school term times, but there may be more opportunities for work as part of our Summer programme. If you would like to apply, please contact us using the link provided. Interviews will be held on the 20th of March.

Graeme Proctor

Drummer

My name is Graeme Proctor I’m a professional drummer. My music career began in 1987 when i started learning to play the drums & trumpet. I went on to pass standard & higher grade music and was awarded the schools prize for musicianship. During my time at school i participated in many varied musical activities including the school concert band, soloist competitions, brass bands, drama groups and more.

I studied music at college gaining NC - HNC - HND in music performance and promotion. During my time at college I gained valuable experience in playing live and recording as well as gaining a useful insight into the music industry.

I have worked with many bands over the years some of which have charted in the Scottish top 40 and made it onto national radio playlists also gaining coverage in other national media and also supporting established acts. I’m a versatile player and I enjoy playing most genres of music ranging from rock, pop, jazz & blues through to classical, traditional & military. I’ve worked with orchestras, show bands, cover bands, original bands, ceilidh bands and various other projects and groups.

Over the years I have developed a program that gives my pupils the rudiments & co-ordination exercises they need to become good players. I encourage music appreciation through listening to music and suggested YouTube videos for inspiration. I’m competent at teaching the current SQA curriculum as well as other materials used by schools i.e. Rockschool, Drums Live, Dave Hassel’s graded course for drums and more.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Jamie Lee

Violin and Traditional Fiddle

I have been playing violin since the age of 6. My main interest is in traditional Scottish fiddle which I study at the Junior Conservatoire of Scotland, under the tuition of Ruaridh MacMillan and James Ross.

I enjoy both individual performance and participating in numerous groups which have performed at various festivals such as Celtic Connections and the New Cumnock Trust.

I am also an accomplished classical violin player, trained to grade 8 level. I am also qualified up to grade 5 theory.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Rebekah Mitchell

Piano and Musicianship

My name is Rebekah Mitchell and I am currently studying music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the BEd. (Hons) Music course. My specialism at university is Traditional Accordion, however I have previously had 10 years training in Classical Accordion.

I have also achieved ABRSM Grade 8 in piano and Grade 5 in Theory. I have had several years experience at teaching piano to students of different ages. I am enthusiastic in my approach and keen to pass my skills on to my pupils.

I have performed regularly since the age of 7 years, competing in local and national competitions., and eventually winning the U.K. 17 years and under Solo Accordion Championship.

I now regularly play in ceilidh bands, performing for various functions and events up and down Scotland. In addition, I have a wide experience of piano accompaniment, having accompanied school choirs at various competitions.

Finally, I have been involved in helping to teach various PreSchool Music Classes. and I am a great believer in teaching music to children at an early age.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Scott Crawford

Guitar, Drums, Music Theory

My name is Scott Crawford, and I am currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the Bachelor of Education (Music) (Hons) course. At the Conservatoire .

My principal study is trumpet, of which I am Grade 8 standard. I have had experience with playing with orchestras such as the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the West of Scotland School’s Symphony Orchestra and have performed in venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the City Halls.

I have been playing drums for 11 years and have a range of experience of playing in a variety of different styles of bands as well as playing percussion in local wind ensembles and orchestras. Currently I am involved with playing in a function band, which covers a range of styles of music, as well as playing in a ceilidh band.

I have a good understanding music theory having achieved my Grade 5 with distinction and have furthered my knowledge of music theory through my university course. I’m enthusiastic to pass these skills onto pupils aiming to pass their graded theory exam. I have also passed Grade 5 in piano and am furthering my piano skills at the Conservatoire.

Finally, I am a confident guitarist and I am able to teach notation, tablature and chord reading skills.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Robert Farmer

Guitar

I am a well versed multi instrumentalist with an aspiration to teach, my main instrument is guitar and I‘m well versed in 4 and 5 string bass as well as ukulele. I’m competent on percussion and have recently begun learning piano.

I have a good knowledge of music theory also.

As I’ve played in many cover bands throughout the years and listen to a diverse range of musical styles I’m a well rounded player, and comfortable with pop, rock, blues, metal, folk, acoustic/finger style and lead guitar playing, amongst others.

Presently I am studying at HND Music at Motherwell college with a view to studying at the RCS next year.

Taught children with learning disabilities at Stranraer Academy – 1999

Diane Mitchell Music School

Ross Wilson

Guitar

Ross Wilson graduated with First Class Honours in 2014 from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland studying classical guitar under Allan Neave. After developing a taste for finger-style jazz guitar when he was young, he was introduced to classical guitar and in 2005 successfully auditioned for the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Junior department.

There he received tuition from Alison Smith and Peter Stewart for four years, won the North East Guitar Society Junior Award twice before auditioning to attend the institute full time. In 2006 he received a place in the National Youth Guitar Ensemble offering him a chance to work with esteemed British composers and tutors as well as perform in venues such as the North Wall in Oxford and the Boliver Halls in London.

During his years at the RCS, Ross performed regularly, both in and outwith the Conservatoire. He was a regular feature in RCS departmental concerts and was often asked to collaborate in the Conservatoire’s annual PLUG festival, premiering works by the RCS student composers. Following his success in winning the North East Guitar Society Award, Ross was asked to give a recital in Aberdeen and since then has continued performing across Scotland. He has accompanied Allan Neave in performing at the Ullapool Guitar Festival for the past two years.

In 2012 Ross began collaborating with flautist Carina Gascoine, a fellow student at the RCS, and the two went on to form the Silverbirch Duo. In November 2013 the duo successfully auditioned for Live Music Now Scotland and through this agency they are regularly performing in venues across Scotland, including recent recitals at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

In 2014 Ross won the Governor’s Recital Prize for Strings, the first guitarist to do so in twenty years, and was offered a grant by the charity Help Musicians UK allowing him to continue studying with Allan Neave at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Derek Dishington

Piano

Derek is currently a principal study pianist on the BEd (Music) with Honours degree course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He is qualified to Grade 8 standard in both ABRSM piano and music theory and is currently working towards sitting the DipABRSM piano exam. He has extensive experience in accompaniment as seen in weekly RCS performance classes.

Derek has a wide range of experience in performance both instrumentally and vocally. He has taken on several leading roles in amateur musical productions including Jean Valjean in ‘Les Miserables: School Edition’, Troy in ‘High School Musical’ and Mark in ‘RENT’. As well as his many musical theatre exploits, Derek performed in a wedding/function band for 4 years where he would sing and play keyboard/synthesizer covering a vast amount of current popular repertoire.

Before studying music, Derek read Mathematics at the University of St. Andrews gaining a BSc (Mathematics) with Honours. Outside the music world he is a keen pool/snooker player and has played at local, national and international level in both disciplines.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Ellen Mawhinney

Singing, Piano, Flute, Violin

Ellen Mawhinney currently studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) on the BMus Vocal Studies programme.

Back home in Northern Ireland, Ellen achieved the finals of Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year 3 years in a row and was a selected finalist for the all Ireland Catherine Judge Memorial Award. She also enjoyed performances as a featured soloist with the Ulster Youth Choir and NEELB Youth Orchestra Concerts.

After achieving four grade 8 exams in violin, piano, flute and voice and a further diploma in voice with the London College of Music, Ellen decided to progress to the vocal programme at RCS for further musical studies.

After her experience with the Eton Choral Course in 2013 where she was chosen for multiple solo opportunities and a chance to participate in the course master class she was declared a member of the Rodolfus Choir, London. With the choir she has performed all over the UK including Handel‘s Messiah in Cadogan Hall and the Rodolfus Choir’s 30th Anniversary Gala Concert at St John’s Smith Square, London.

She is also a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain who most recently performed with The Real Group in the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. She also hopes to join them on their tour to China next summer.

Ellen really enjoys teaching others about music and truly understands the significance of music education in a fun and positive atmosphere

Diane Mitchell Music School

Becky Taylor

Piano, Musicianship

My name is Becky Taylor and I am a first study pianist currently undertaking the Bachelor of Education (hons) music course at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

From an early age I have been drawn to the art form of music and have enjoyed diverse musical experiences throughout my life. I am a first study pianist and my passion is to teach music. My principal study is piano and I am of grade 8 standard. I have also achieved my ABRSM grade 5 theory.

When teaching piano I aim to make lessons fun and differentiate my approach to teaching based on age and experience. In addition to teaching practical skills I recognise the importance of music theory and aim to develop young people’s ability to sight read, play scales and audio skills through sight singing.

In addition to teaching I enjoy performing and have participated in various events and competitions.

I am also a keen vocalist and I am currently learning to play guitar.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Hannah Jade Murphy

Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet

Diane Mitchell Music School

Johnny Barr

Guitar and Songwriting

Johnny Barr is a Paisley based singer/songwriter. Frequently gigging with his own 6-piece band, Johnny’s unique combination of percussive guitar technique and intricate finger picking makes him an exciting act to watch, especially when this is paired with his effortlessly exhilarating stage presence.
Johnny was featured on Radio 1’s BBC Introducing Scotland with DJ Ally Mccrae, and has supported a number of upcoming acts such as The Staves, Lianne La Havas, Admiral Fallow, Sucioperro, Aerials up, Alan Mckim and Lynnie Carson. Futhermore, he has headlined Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut and has also been part of the venue’s New Year’s Revolution festival.

In addition, his most recent involvement in music has been with an exciting new 6 piece Folk/Pop Singer/Songwriter Collective known as Winter Springs! (www.facebook.com/winterspringsmusic) The band formed in Leeds, whilst all studying at Leeds College of music, and includes some of the most mind-blowing artists from all over the UK. After their first tour the band have already supported and shared festival line-ups with artists such as Hozier, Catfish and the bottlemen, James Bay, Orla Gartland, Josh Record and JP Cooper as part of, AIM’s 2014 Best Independent festival of the year, Barn on the Farm! The collective also plan on touring from Scotland to the Isle of Wight to promote the release of their first EP titled ‘Summer is Coming’.

Johnny aims to keep up momentum already generated through numerous well-received shows with Winter Springs and his solo career…... Watch this space!

Diane Mitchell Music School

Emilie Boyd

Singing, Theory and Musicianship

Emilie began singing onstage age 14 and hasn’t stopped since. After discovering a passion for singing and music when she was at school in South East England, she quickly completed Grade 8 ABRSM qualification and went on to undertake tuition at a high level with tutors from the Royal Academy of Music in London. At the same time she was regularly performing for hire and completing studies in Music at school. After graduating in Music from Glasgow University in 2013, she has been building a career in Music in the Glasgow area. Emilie has been a regular on the live music scene in Glasgow for a few years, performing in a wide variety of establishments and musical styles.

Although in love with all genres of music in different ways and keen to take on all styles of singing, Emilie’s particular passion lies with jazz, soul, folk, pop, and live performance. She is feels strongly that understanding the connection between voice, breathing and body are essential to good singing. Techniques to use the voice to its full potential in a healthy and honest way are central to her approach. In addition, her expertise in how to give a good live performance and have presence onstage comes from years of practice from a grassroots level; building confidence in students is also close to her heart. Emilie believes passionately in the benefits, both psychological and physical, that singing and music can bring.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Rory Simons

Saxophone, Piano

My name is Rory Simons and I’m currently in my third year on the Bachelor of Music course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. My principle study is saxophone, but I’m also studying composition, and clarinet as a related study.

I was first introduced to music at age seven, when I started piano lessons. When I moved to secondary school at age twelve, I started learning the saxophone too. I progressed quickly on both and gained a place at the Junior Conservatoire Saturday music school when I was fifteen. I spent three years there, passing my grade eight on piano and saxophone with distinctions in both in 2012, sitting both exams in consecutive days! I now study the saxophone at undergraduate level and play piano for enjoyment whenever I can.

In fifth year at high school I also took up double bass and learned up to about grade five level, and it was on double bass that I played with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra in their fiftieth anniversary concert in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

Since then I’ve formed two saxophone quartets, the Molios Quartet and the Makaris Quartet, in which I play soprano sax and baritone sax respectively. The Makaris Quartet won the prestigious Governors Chamber Music Prize at the RCS in January and we are developing exciting performing opportunities across Britain. I was also asked to play with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, performing Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet in their spring and summer tours.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Louise Lennie

Piano

Diane Mitchell Music School

Kieran Hunter

Piano

After starting to study music relatively late at the age of 14, Kieran is now studying the BEd Music programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD).

Kieran’s main instrument is voice which he studies with Iain Paton working on a vast range of repertoire. He has experience of singing both as a soloist and in many different types of choir. In the past, Kieran has received masterclasses from many accomplished singers including soprano, Soraya Mafi and most recently, tenor, Nicky Spence.

Kieran also has a vast experience on piano, drawing from the input of many different teachers. Although playing as a soloist in small public recitals in his home county of Dumfriesshire, Kieran is more active as an accompanist and enjoys accompanying other people be it soloists, choirs or even school nativities. He has recently finished a year studying with Bingbing Li as part of the BEd Music course at the RCS.

Kieran is also qualified in Grade 5 Music Theory (ABRSM) and is a strong believer that music theory is an aspect of music education that should be incorporated into every musical activity to ensure a strong fundamental understanding of the theory principles.

In his spare time, Kieran enjoys playing the organ after receiving a scholarship to study with EdTaylor (Assistant Organist of Carlisle Cathedral), a scholarship he still holds. He regularly plays for services in the Glasgow area and back home in Dumfriesshire. Outside of music, Kieran enjoys spending time with his younger brother, Leighton, and has developed a fondness for Lego.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Hannah Lee

Flute, Singing

Hannah has been playing flute for over 10 years now, achieving a distinction in her ABRSM grade 8 at the age of 16. From 2008, she attended the Junior department of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for 4 years where she studied with John Hall (principal piccolo player of Welsh National Opera). Soon after, she began her studies on flute and piccolo with Sheena Gordon after accepting her place on the Bachelors of Education course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her secondary instrument is voice and she has studied with Marilyn Smith (conductor of Glasgow Phoenix Choir).

Throughout her time, Hannah has had vast experiences playing in various ensembles: orchestras, chamber groups, concert bands, wind ensembles and choirs. She has taken part in concerts, competitions and masterclasses as both a soloist and as part of a group.
Hannah teaches flute, piccolo, voice, whistle, music theory, and Kodaly musicianship. As a student, she developed her passion for teaching, community music, and Kodaly. She attained the highest grade for her Kodaly assessment and incorporates its methodology into her teaching. She now works as a freelance music and Kodaly teacher, and as a visual artist collaborating with musicians and performers based in Glasgow.

Diane Mitchell Music School

Rachel Wilson

Musicianship, Singing

Rachel is currently a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the BMus course studying double bass and music and learning in the early years.
She has studied Kodaly at the RCS and was also brought up on the Kodaly methodology as a child while singing with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus. Since taking up the double bass at the age of 14 she has played with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland at the BBC Proms, the Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra including residential courses and several orchestras and ensembles at the conservatoire.
She teaches double bass, singing and beginner ukulele as well as musicianship and Kodaly. Rachel is very passionate about learning in the early years and firmly believes that music education is important for children as it helps them to develop skills used in all aspects of life and learning.